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Officials, avid fisherman worried about trash around Idaho
KTVB, 8-4-23
IDAHO, USA — Over 15 years, Brad Bish has caught a lot of fish at his favorite fishing spot along the Snake River in Wilder.
But Bish said what once was a pristine area along the shoreline is now a dumping ground for litter. Just last week, he spent seven hours cleaning up other people's trash.
He filled six trash bags.
"If I don't do it," Bish said, "who's going to?"
Bish said all the trash takes away from Idaho's natural beauty and impacts the entire fishing experience, not only for him but others as well.
Trash is not just found in the Gem State's recreational areas. Scott Phillips, Idaho Department of Lands policy and communications chief, said it is also a problem in more urban areas.
The Department of Lands manages 2.5 million acres of endowment land across Idaho, including forest, rangeland and city parcels. People not picking up after themselves is a growing problem, Phillips said.
"We're seeing more and more problems on the landscape," he said. "We're fortunate to have this beautiful, beautiful state that we call home. But if we want to keep it beautiful, we all have to take responsibility."
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Idaho Business Review, 8-3-23
BOISE – The Idaho Department of Lands will auction five state endowment owned lots on Priest Lake appraised at $5.5 million for deeded ownership during a public, oral auction on Saturday, Aug. 26, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The auction starts at 10:30 a.m. (PT) at the Best Western-Coeur d’Alene Inn. Online bidding is available through Proxibid.
One lot to be auctioned is a vacant, unleased lot and the remaining four lots are under lease with cabins on them, according to a news release. The land is held in trust by IDL for the Public Schools (K-12) beneficiary, but the cabins and other improvements on the land are owned by the leaseholders as personal property.
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Fire danger 'extreme'
Coeur d'Alene Press, 8-3-23
COEUR d'ALENE — Deputy Fire Marshal Bobby Gonder said Tuesday that weather this week could be setting the stage for fires.
He cited lack of moisture, high temperatures, growing crowds in town for major events and people still shooting off illegal fireworks as cause for concern.
"It could be a busy weekend," said Gonder.
Coeur d'Alene firefighters responded to a brush fire in Cheney, Wash., on Monday afternoon and into the evening as part of a Northwest wildfire task force.
Meanwhile, the Idaho Department of Lands said Tuesday that hot summer temperatures across the state have resulted in drier conditions and an increased fire danger, with nearly all lands under IDL fire protection now in "Very High" to "Extreme Fire Danger."
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Idaho under significant fire danger as blazes occur throughout state
KPVI, 8-3-23
Nearly all territories under Idaho Department of Lands fire protection jurisdiction are currently in very high or extreme fire danger.
In a news release sent out this week, the department said crews have fought 172 fires this summer, most of which are human-caused or are being investigated as human-caused. Hot summer temperatures across the state have resulted in drier conditions and increased fire danger, the news release stated.
All the while there are currently some significant fires taking place regionally, two of which are burning at over 20,000 acres.
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Fire danger rising quickly in region
Bonner County Daily Bee, 8-2-23
SANDPOINT — As containment of the Consalus Fire increased to 70%, state officials advised that fire danger in most of the state is rated as very high to extreme.
As of Tuesday, Idaho Department of Lands crews have fought 166 fires, with most being human-caused or investigated as possibly being human-caused.
"IDL works hard to hold fires to 10 acres or less, and that becomes more challenging with very high and extreme conditions," Josh Harvey, IDL fire management bureau chief, said.
Due to the extreme fire danger, fire officials asked for increased caution. Given the conditions, a spark can start and carry a fire a long distance, putting communities at greater risk for catastrophic fires, they noted.
State burn permits are not currently being issued, except in cases of agricultural field burning. State burn permits are required from May 10 to Oct. 20. However, restrictions on issuing permits change as fire conditions change.
Idaho lands in extreme fire danger: Officials urge public caution as human-caused fires surge
KBOI2, 8-1-23
BOISE, Idaho — Fire officials with the Idaho Department of Lands say that nearly all lands under IDL fire protection are now in Very High or Extreme Fire Danger.
IDL reports that crews have fought 166 fires so far this season, the majority of which are human-caused or investigated as possibly human-caused. "IDL works hard to hold fires to 10 acres or less, and that becomes more challenging with very high and extreme conditions," said IDL's Fire Management Bureau Chief Josh Harvey.
Fire officials are asking the public and anyone recreating to increase their caution, a single spark in dry conditions could send a fire a long-distance and endanger homes and communities. A bill for the full cost of fighting the fire may be sent to anyone who starts a wildfire due to negligence.
Roundup of the largest active wildfires burning in Idaho
KTVB, 8-2-23
IDAHO, USA — It's hot and dry - a perfect combination for wildfires, and a combination that is keeping wildland firefighters busy this summer.
Idaho Fish and Game's Idaho Fire Map shows there are about eight significant active fires burning in the Gem State.
In Round Valley, the Sixty Fire is burning near Cascade, close to the Timber Rim subdivision south of Sixty Lane.
The Idaho Department of Lands said that crews gained control of the 6.6 acre fire overnight. As of Monday evening, the fire was 60% contained, crews expect to fully contain the fire Tuesday.
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Fire Officials Urge Caution, Most of Idaho is under Very High or Extreme Fire Danger
Coeur d'Alene Press, 8-1-23
BOISE - Hot summer temperatures across the state have resulted in drier conditions and an increased fire danger, with nearly all lands under Idaho Department of Lands fire protection now in Very High to Extreme Fire Danger.
As of today, IDL crews have fought 166 fires with most being human-caused or investigated as possibly being human-caused.
"IDL works hard to hold fires to 10 acres or less, and that becomes more challenging with very high and extreme conditions," said IDL's Fire Management Bureau Chief Josh Harvey.
Fire officials are asking the public and industry to increase their caution as a spark in dry conditions can start and carry a fire a long-distance, putting communities at greater risk for catastrophic fires.
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Idaho Business Review, 8-2-23
Boise – Hot summer temperatures across the state have resulted in drier conditions and an increased fire danger, with nearly all lands under Idaho Department of Lands fire protection now in Very High to Extreme Fire Danger.
As of Wednesday, IDL crews have fought 166 fires with most being human-caused or investigated as possibly being human-caused, an IDL news release stated.
“IDL works hard to hold fires to 10 acres or less, and that becomes more challenging with very high and extreme conditions,” said IDL’s Fire Management Bureau Chief Josh Harvey I the release.
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Russel Fire near White Bird under investigation
Idaho County Free Press, 8-2-23
WHITE BIRD – Idaho Department of Lands is currently investigating the 200-plus acre Russel Fire, which both started and was contained on Saturday, July 30.
The fire was burning near mile marker 217, East of HWY 95, South of White Bird. Craig Mountain Forest Protective District had crews with 60 fire personnel engaged in mop up Sunday.
IDL reports success on Tyson Fire efforts
St. Maries Gazette Record, 8-2-23
The Idaho Department of Lands provided the final update for the Tyson Fire Friday.
The final size of the fire, which was at 50 percent containment Friday afternoon and had a mopped, 50-foot swath around the fire’s edge, is 155 acres.
Another fire, which began burning west of Emida late last week, was quickly suppressed and taken care of.
Fire officials say most of Idaho is under very high or extreme fire risk
KIVI, 8-1-23
BOISE, Idaho — A hot and dry summer is the perfect recipe for fires, and currently, nearly all land under Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) protection is in very high to extreme fire danger.
As of August 1, IDL crews have fought 166 fires across the state, with most being human-caused or investigated as possibly human-caused.
"IDL works hard to hold fires to 10 acres or less, and that becomes more challenging with very high and extreme conditions," said IDL's Fire Management Bureau Chief Josh Harvey.
Due to the statewide fire risk, officials are asking the public to be cautious. Even a spark in these conditions could result in a fire that puts Idaho communities at risk, and a bill for the damages of a human-caused fire may be sent to anyone responsible.
As conditions change, fire officials determine what restrictions to place on certain areas in the state to reduce the risk of wildfires. The IDL's fire restriction finder webpage has the most up-to-date information on these guidelines.
Idaho governor creates new council to recommend outdoor projects
Idaho Capital Sun, 7-31-23
Idaho Gov. Brad Little created a new advisory council that is charged with recommending projects to increase camping, hunting, fishing, hiking and other recreation opportunities in state parks.
On Wednesday, Little signed an executive order creating the new Idaho Outdoor Recreation Fund Advisory Council. The council will be made up of officials from state agencies such as the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Idaho Department of Lands, along with state legislators and representatives from the recreation, hunting and fishing, business and agriculture communities.
Idaho’s 30 state parks faced record usage with 7.4 million visitors in 2020, 2021 and 2022, which represents a 27% increase compared to the previous five years, Little’s office said. The new advisory council will be charged with recommending projects that expand opportunities for camping, hunting, fishing, hiking and other recreational activities in the state parks.
“Our state boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and much of that beauty is captured in our wonderful state parks,” Little said in a written statement. “That is why expanding and improving outdoor recreation opportunities in our state parks was such an important priority.”
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Wildfire south of White Bird contained
Lewiston Tribune, 7-31-23
GRANGEVILLE – Firefighters contained a 200-acre wildfire that ignited Sunday night near mile marker 217 along U.S. Highway 95 south of White Bird.
The Idaho Department of Lands reported at 8 a.m. Monday that the Russell Fire was contained at about 200 acres. Craig Mountain Forest Protective District dispatched ground and aviation crews for the initial attack. About 60 fire personnel remained on the scene Monday for mop up operations. The cause of the fire is under investigation, the department said.
Citizens are being reminded never to fly drones near wildfires. When drones are in the air, firefighting aircraft must be grounded for the safety of the firefighters.
Officials say Wildfire Discovered Sunday South of Whitebird Contained at 200 Acres
Big Country News, 7-31-23
WHITEBIRD – On Monday morning, the Idaho Department of Lands reports that a wildfire discovered on Sunday, just off of US95 in Idaho County, was contained overnight at about 200 acres.
Officials named the blaze the Russell Fire.
The fire is located near mile marker 217, on the east side of US95, about 5 miles south of Whitebird. As of Sunday evening, officials said multiple structures were threatened.
Craig Mountain Forest Protective District called in aviation resources, and crews were actively working the fire Sunday night.
New fire burning around 6 acres near Cascade
KIVI, 7-31-23
CASCADE, Idaho — A new fire called the "Sixty Fire" is burning about 6.6 acres in the Cascade area. It's 30% contained at the moment and crews hope to have full control by the end of the day.
On Sunday, the Idaho Department of Lands said multiple structures were threatened. The Valley County Sheriff's office is currently working on evacuation efforts, advising that residents are still in a "SET" stage. The sheriff's office also urging that only residents and firefighters are allowed in the area.
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Sixty fire forcing evacuations near Cascade
KBOI2, 7-30-23
RIVER VALLEY, Idaho (CBS2) — The Idaho Department of Lands is reporting the Sixty Fire is burning near Cascade.
They say multiple structures are threatened, and evacuations are underway by the Valley County Sheriff’s office.
The fire is burning near the timber rim subdivision South of Sixty Lane to the east, north of Round Valley.
Southern Idaho Timber Association (SITPA) Forest Protective District and several partner agencies are using swift air attacks.
The Sixty fire is burning near Cascade
KTVB, 7-30-23
CASCADE, Idaho — The Sixty fire is burning in Cascade and is close to several structures. The Valley County Sheriff's Office has issued an evacuation notice, deputies are manning a check point for people at Timber Rim and Grey Ln., and residents on Timber Rim are being urged to leave the area.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the fire is close to the Timber Rim subdivision that is south of Sixty Lane, near Cascade in the Round Valley area.
As of Sunday, July 30, the fire was 5 to 10 acres. The fire department has two engine air tankers and a helicopter. Another crew of 20 is expected to arrive tomorrow.
The department also mentioned that people should never fly drones near wildfires because if a drone is flying, they must ground their aircrafts. No word on how the fire started.
New Fire Burning Near McCall, Sixty Fire
Big Country News, 7-30-23
CASCADE – New Fire burning near Cascade is the Sixty Fire. Multiple structures are threatened, and evacuations are underway by the Valley County Sheriff’s office.
The fire is burning near the timber rim subdivision South of Sixty lane to the east, near the city of Cascade.
SITPA Forest Protective District along with several partner agencies are using swift air attack. Fire is currently 5 to 10 acres. Current resources are 2 single engine air tankers one type one helicopter and a 20-person crew with more resources arriving tomorrow.
Fire officials remind citizens to never fly drones near wildfires. When your drone is in the air, our aircraft must be grounded, putting the lives of firefighters at risk.
Greer Fire 100% contained at 83 acres
Big Country News, 7-30-23
OROFINO – As of July 30, 2023, according to the Idaho Department of Lands, the Greer fire is confirmed to be 100% contained and is estimated to be at 83 acres.
Resources remaining on The Greer Fire are 2 type 21A crews along with a dozer, 4 type 6 engines, and a water tender. Mop-up will continue until complete.
The Greer Fire was discovered around 2:00 pm (PT) on Thursday July 27th. It is burning off HWY 11 near mile marker 5.5 where the twisting highway connects Greer along the Clearwater River with Weippe, Pierce and Headquarters. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Greer Fire 60% contained
Lewiston Tribune, 7-29-23
GREER — The Greer Fire was declared 60% contained Friday night by the Idaho Department of Lands.
The 100-acre fire off State Highway 11 near Greer invoked the use of two more Type 6 engines, and a Type 3 helicopter was also used. No other aircraft were used.
Fire in Orofino, Idaho: drones pose a risk to firefighters
KBOI2, 7-28-23
OROFINO, idaho — The Idaho Department of Lands has given an update on the fire in Orofino, Idaho.
The fire is estimated to be around 100 acres burned with a 60% containment.
The fire was discovered on July 27th, 2023, at 2 p.m. Pacific time.
A strict reminder from fire officials; Never fly drones near wildfires, when your drone is in the air - their aircraft must be grounded. By flying a drone near wildfires, you are putting the lives of firefighters at risk.
FIREWATCH: Multiple structures threatened due to Greer Fire burning south of Orofino
KXLY, 7-28-23
CLEARWATER COUNTY, Wash. -- The Idaho Department of Lands is battling the Greer Fire burning off Highway 11 south of Orofino. The fire has burned about 60 acres and is 0% contained.
The fire started July 27 around 2 p.m.
Approximately 100 personnel are on scene along with several engines and a fleet of aircraft.
The cause is under investigation.
Fire in Orofino, Idaho: drones pose a risk to firefighters
KBOI2, 7-28-23
OROFINO, idaho — The Idaho Department of Lands has given an update on the fire in Orofino, Idaho.
The fire is estimated to be around 100 acres burned with a 60% containment.
The fire was discovered on July 27th, 2023, at 2 p.m. Pacific tim
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Final Sixty Fire Update
Posted August 1, 2023
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Final Incident Update: McCall – The Sixty Fire burning near Cascade is now 100% contained. The evacuation notice has been lifted.
Fire officials said, “There was an estimated 15K-20K gallons of water used yesterday. Yesterday was all about getting boots on the ground, utilizing the water and hand tools to mix and mop everything up”.
For the next several days, crews will continue to patrol until it is safely called out. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Russell Fire
Posted July 30, 2023
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New Incident: New Incident Russell Fire
Grangeville – New Fire burning near Grangeville is called, the Russell Fire. Multiple structures are threatened.
The fire is burning near mile marker 217, East of HWY 95, South of Whitebird.…
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